UNION, Maine — The lack of information being given out by Maine State Police concerning the homicide death of Sunshine Stewart is leaving many people nervous.
Knox County Sheriff Patrick Polky said Wednesday there has been a noticeable increase in people calling the communications center about suspected suspicious activities such as people being outside residences. The sheriff said in all these cases, the people had a legitimate reason to be where they were.
The sheriff said the state police have not shared any information with the sheriff’s office.
“If they could provide even a nugget of information, it would help keep people calm,” Polky said, adding that he considers one of his responsibilities is making the public feel safe.
The Maine Department of Public Safety said Saturday that Stewart’s death was a homicide following an autopsy by the Maine medical examiner’s office.
“This is an active and ongoing investigation. As always, members of the public are encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behavior to law enforcement. Additional information will be released when it becomes appropriate to do so based on the progress of the investigation,” the agency stated.
On Wednesday, state police issued another statement at about 5 p.m.
“The Maine State Police recognizes the fear and discomfort that this incident has brought to the town of Union and the Crawford Pond community. We remain steadfast in our efforts to investigate the death of 48-year-old Sunshine Stewart of Tenants Harbor, whose death was ruled a homicide on Thursday, July 3, 2025. Detectives from Major Crimes Unit Central have been reviewing all of the leads pushed through our tip line and continue to follow every investigative and forensic avenue. We have also been working with the owners of the nearby campground, who have been cooperative and willing to assist and help with the ongoing investigation.
“We appreciate the tips that have already come in and ask that anyone with information continue to reach out. We understand the community’s concerns and ask that residents continue to remain vigilant, be aware of their surroundings, and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Maine State Police at 207-624-7076 or by texting MESPTIP to 847411,” the Wednesday statement concluded.
Homicides in Knox County during the past four decades have almost exclusively been domestic violence related, drug deals gone bad, or an altercation that escalated and resulted in a death. In those cases, police would issue statements that there was no risk to the general public. That has not been said in this case.
State police have not said where Stewart’s body was located. After Stewart’s body was found, state police did request permission from the Georges River Land Trust to search 100 Acre Island, which is located in Crawford Pond. The land trust owns 99 percent of the island, which is open to the public for daytime hiking and limited overnight camping with permission of the land trust. There is no public access, however, to the shoreline of the nearly 600-acre Crawford Pond which requires getting permission from a private landowner, such as Mic Mac Campground, to gain access to the water. The land trust said it does not know what, if anything, was found on the island by state police.
Another source said a vehicle was towed from Stewart’s home in Tenants Harbor this week, which was done to be thorough in the investigation.
Police say Stewart had gone out paddleboarding by herself at 6 p.m. July 2, from Mic Mac Campground where she had been staying for the past few days with plans to be there for the summer. State police are asking anyone who saw her or anything around 100 Acre Island between 6 and 9 p.m. July 2.
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office was called shortly before 12:30 a.m. on July 3 and told that Stewart had not returned after going paddleboarding. The Union Fire Department responded and, with assistance from a Rockland Police Department aerial drone, searched for the woman. Maine Game Wardens were also called in shortly after 1 a.m. to assist in the search. Her body was located about dawn on July 3. State Police said circumstances at the scene led the Maine Warden Service to contact the state police, which took over the investigation.
This story appears through a media partnership with Midcoast Villager.
